6 Drug Abuse Facts and Stats

Drug addiction is a complex illness which is characterized by intense and, in severe cases, uncontrollable drug cravings. Drug users are often engaged in compulsive drug seeking and use persistent methods and illicit activities for instant gratification.

While it often begins with a voluntary act of taking these substances, with time it leads to compromised situations that result in devastating consequences.

This behavior results mainly from the effects of prolonged drug exposure that alter the functioning of the brain. Addiction is a serious disease that affects the various circuits of the brain, including reward and motivation, learning and memory, and inhibitory control behavior.

Let’s take a look at some drug addiction facts and statistics…

6 Drug Addiction Facts

There are many unknowns surrounding addiction, and each person has their own reasons for why they started using drugs or how they became addicted, and to what drugs or substances. But we do know that once a person becomes addicted, they follow some of the same patterns as others.

Treatment for Drug Addiction

Because drug abuse and addiction brings with it a series of complications in an individual’s life, proper treatment should be considered. Effective treatment programs typically are extensive and incorporate several components, directed to cover all aspects of the illness and the consequences.

Drug addiction is not a one day or week process. It typically involves a 30, 60 or even 90 day program consisting of professional care to achieve the ultimate goal of sustained abstinence and recovery.

There are many unknowns surrounding addiction, and each person has their own reasons for why they started using drugs or how they became addicted, and to what drugs or substances. But we do know that once a person becomes addicted, they follow some of the same patterns as others.